Molsheim/Beijing, April
23, 2012 – Following the success of the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport,
Bugatti did not wait long before the company received inquiries
about an open-top version of the Grand Sport that could also deliver
882 kW (1,200 hp). “We were instantly electrified by the idea of
transferring the power of the Super Sport to the Grand Sport, that
delivers a maximum of 1,001 hp, thus taking the roadster to a new
level,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, president of Bugatti Automobiles
S.A.S. He continues: “Our team has managed to transfer the world’s
most powerful car engine to the open-top sports car, while taking
the vehicle’s dynamics and aerodynamic parameters into
consideration. We are proud to present the fastest roadster ever at
the Beijing Motor Show with the Asia premiere of the 1,200 hp Grand
Sport Vitesse.” The second car Bugatti presents at Beijing is the
“Wei Long 2012”, a one off Grand Sport model equipped with unique
porcelain dragon relief parts at the in- and outside paying homage
to the year of the dragon.

Dynamics in figures.
The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse boasts a remarkable
maximum torque of 1,500 Nm (at 3000–5000 rpm) from the 7.9-litre
capacity of its W16 engine. The maximum output (1,200 hp) is
reached at 6,400 rpm. These figures allow the car to reach 100 km/h
(62 mph) from standing in an unbelievable 2.6 seconds. The top speed
of 410 km/h (255 mph) makes the four-wheel drive (like all Veyron)
Grand Sport Vitesse the fastest production roadster ever.

Drive system. The
199 hp increase over the Grand Sport has been mainly achieved by
using four
larger turbochargers with new intercoolers. Furthermore, Bugatti has
extensively reinforced all
drivetrain components in order to safely transfer the immense force
the Vitesse is capable of. As a
consequence of the larger turbochargers and the overall reduced back
pressure, it was even possible
to reduce the fuel consumption slightly, even with the increased
power output.

Chassis. In order
to put the unrivalled power on the road safely and masterfully, the
engineers have
reconfigured the chassis of the Vitesse. Thanks to the
quick-responding dampers that have been
adapted from motor racing, the control of the vehicle has been
further improved and balanced perfectly. In addition to the
incomparable lateral acceleration that is able to go up to 1.4 g,
the precise interaction of the tires (on all-new, lighter 20-inch “Vitesse”-type
alloy wheels), together with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system,
ensures stable handling. Since the reconfigured ESP kicks in
slightly later, for example when you accelerate around corners, the
Grand Sport Vitesse also provides a more dynamic performance in
these types of situations. It goes without saying that Bugatti
adapted the brake-cooling system to account for the even higher
engine output. The brakes, which are unparalleled in terms of
stability and performance, now have additional and larger air
intakes.

Body. Bugatti has
developed a new roof spoiler for the Grand Sport Vitesse that
significantly
reduces wind noise and buffering in the interior. Furthermore, there
will be a new windbreak for the
roadster that can be stored away compactly in the luggage
compartment when not in use. Both
components will also be available for the Grand Sport. While in
place, they allow for an extremely
relaxed, open-top driving experience even at speeds around 200 km/h
(124 mph).

Numerous aerodynamic
measures that appeared on the Super Sport’s front and rear have been
adapted for the Grand Sport Vitesse. The front end is therefore
characterised by larger air intakes;
the two central air intakes to the left and right of the Bugatti
radiator grille are divided horizontally
by a bar. The bottom air vent stretches sideways into the wheel
housing providing this exceptional
sports car an extremely masterful appearance. Immediately below the
air intake, you will see a new,
visually refined front spoiler that has been designed in a similar
way to the splitters used in motor
racing. The rear end, which is also derived from the Super Sport, is
characterised by a double diffusor
and a centrally positioned twin tailpipe.

Interior. Carbon
fibre is also the dominant material in the interior (along with
stainless metals such
as Aluminium and Magnesium) of the Grand Sport Vitesse. Numerous
interior parts are now made
from carbon fibre in the 1,200 hp roadster. This includes the center
console extension, a cover with
EB logo in the rear-bulkhead leather trim (between the seat
backrests) and the belt outlet covers on
the seats. The décor on the center console, the door inserts and the
adjoining trim on the instrument
panel are also made from carbon fibre. The bi-color black trim parts
(for example, in the roof
console) are also new in the Grand Sport version, as is a special
seat design for the Grand Sport
Vitesse.

Configuration of the
show vehicles. There is no end to the individualization options
for the
Bugatti. Each one of the 350 Veyrons built is therefore completely
unique. This also applies to the
other models that Bugatti is exhibiting at the 2012 Beijing
International Motor Show. The Grand
Sport Vitesse is painted in all black with red rims in a diamond
pattern. Its carmine red interior and
seats showcase an aggressive, dynamic look that fits well with the
positioning of the new Grand
Sport Vitesse. It will cost 1.80 million euros. The classic Grand
Sport, a sports car with an elegant,
artistic orientation, will, of course, remain in the range. This
year in Beijing, Bugatti is presenting a
special model to pay homage to the year of the dragon. The one off
Grand Sport model “Wei Long
2012” was developed together with the Königliche Porzellan
Manufaktur Berlin and has been fitted
with dragon relief sculptures on finest porcelain both on the body
and in the cabin endowing the car
with deep Chinese cultural heritage. With highly elaborated dragon
sculptures on the oil and fuel
cap, its white polished exterior and carmine red interior the “Wei
Long 2012” shines with elegance
and nobility. The headrests are embroidered with the Chinese
“Dragon” character, and the handcrafted
100% silk floor mats are embossed with Chinese “Dragon” character.
Highlight is the exquisite
center piece with a white porcelain dragon relief sculpture with
every detail of a dragon’s body so
vividly craved and elaborated. These unique and artistic Chinese
features together with the breathtaking speed of the Bugatti Grand
Sport of more than 400 km/h make the “Wei Long 2012” the
dragon of the automotive industry. This one off model will cost 1.58
million euros.